Samsung Instinct Review

Samsung Instinct: iPhone Wannabe or Serious Contender?

So what sort of phone is it? It resembles the other touch phones that have come out recently, like the LG Voyager and that other one that Apple came up with. The touch screen, which can optionally be used with the included stylus, is obviously the most prominent feature. This phone is on the trim side -- Samsung claims the dimensions are as follows: 4.57 inches by 2.17 inches by 0.49 inch; weighing in at 4.4 ounces. That’s somewhat less of a 'brick' than the iPhone.

Okay, it looks kinda like an iPhone, but does it really do the same job?

While there still might be changes when the phone is finally released in June, the model on display at the CTIA showed a number of features that'll make media phone users happy. The Instinct uses Sprint services, including having the EV-DO Rev that few other phones have. Other notable features include the 2 MP camera, audible caller ID, voice dialing and commands, and full HTML browser. Samsung also says it has a digital music player that displays the album art, phone as modem capability and Live Search from Microsoft. Sprint's other services include access to the Sprint Music Store, Sprint TV and Sprint Radio, and a GPS system with Sprint navigation.

You'll also get access to your email. Sprint also mentioned that the Instinct will utilize another form of Visual Voicemail. It's a feature that lets you pick messages you want to hear. Though it's already been done, it'll be interesting to see what Samsung will come up with.

The memory slot is only 2GB, but it does come with two batteries, which are easily removable. Samsung promises that Instinct is capable of over 5 hours of talk time. You can also hook up regular headphones without using a fancy adaptor as you do with other phones.

It's certainly a joy to hold. It looks good, the soft paint on the outside that they used makes it feel good, and it's just the right weight and comfortable to hang on to. Samsung promises that the features are very customizable.

Samsung Instinct: The Downside

While slimmer, it's still doesn't look quite as sexy as the iPhone, which is the new standard for coolness. Plus, since it isn't out yet, it has a lot of promises to fulfill. It's pricy at 'just under' $300.00, but that’s comparable to other touchscreen phones in this arena.

And the Instinct doesn't appear to support third-party apps, or run Windows Mobile, so adding additional software could be an issue. Will we see users hacking the phone to add features, or will Samsung provide an API for developers?

One other problem, it also seems to be only compatible with Sprint service for now. So if you don't care for Sprint plans, or you're plugged into a contract with another service, you might not be able to use this phone, or at least a number of the features. If you do have Sprint, the monthly cost for an unlimited voice/data plan will run about $100 a month.

There is a lot of speculation about the Samsung Instinct already. The Instinct website is pretty light on information, so we may not know much more until the release in June. Many are looking forward to the bonus additional features and the easier to use and customizable interface. Given the early raves, I’d say the Instinct is likely to give Apple some iPhone competition. Got comments about the Samsung Instinct? Post your thoughts below...